Irregular migrants rescued by Turkish coast guard after being pushed back by Greece

The migrants were on board two rubber boats that were detected off the coast of Ayvacık district in Çanakkale province, the statement said.

The coast guard teams dispatched a patrol boat and rescued the migrants, who were all Afghan nationals, and brought them to the shore.

One of the migrants was also found to be a suspect who was trying to leave the country illegally, and was taken into custody.

The rest of the migrants were sent to Ayvacık Foreigners Repatriation Center after the necessary procedures were completed, the statement added.

Türkiye has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.

The country hosts nearly 4 million refugees, including more than 3.6 million Syrians, the world's largest refugee population. (ILKHA)